Tomáš Skuhravý (born 7 September 1965) is a Czech former footballer who played as a striker.
Having started his career at Sparta Prague at a youth level, he went to play for them during their period of dominance in 80s, winning numerous domestic titles and cups, and represented them in European competitions. He also had a notable spell at then top-flight RH Cheb, before moving onto Genoa.
At Genoa he became a prolific striker and reached the semi-finals of the 1991–92 UEFA Cup. In 1995 he moved to Sporting CP but suffered a knee injury soon after which would eventually cut his playing career short and he retired aged 32.
Internationally he represented Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, and most notably scored five goals for the former in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Club career On 28 September 1983, Skuhravý debuted for Sparta Prague against Real Madrid at the 1983–84 UEFA Cup, coming as a substitute to Vítězslav Lavička in the 60th minute.
Skuhravý signed for Serie A club Genoa from Sparta Prague in 1990, forming a prolific partnership with Uruguayan Carlos Aguilera. Tall and powerful, Skuhravý usually attained full shape and proficiency later in the season while the smaller and quicker Aguilera gave his best in the early matches. They gave Genoa a solid attack all-year round. In the 1990–91 season, the duo each scored 15 goals for tied-third in the scorers' standings, leading Genoa to a fourth place in the final standings. At 1991–92 UEFA Cup, Skuhravý helped Genoa reach the semi-finals in the UEFA Cup until the club was eliminated by eventual champions Ajax. He scored a total of 59 goals with Genoa, making him one of the best goalscorers for the Rossoblu in the modern era.
Skuhravý left Genoa in 1995 to join Portuguese club Sporting CP, where he suffered a knee injury and was sidelined until the end of 1995–96 Primeira Divisão. He retired from playing career at the age of 32 due to health issues.
International career At international level, Skuhravý played for Czechoslovakia and the newly-formed Czech Republic, playing a total of 49 international matches, scoring 17 goals. He represented Czechoslovakia with 43 matches and scored 14 goals, as well as six matches and three goals for the newly-formed Czech Republic.
In 1985, Skuhravý debuted for Czechoslovakia during a friendly match against Poland, replacing Václav Daněk. He participated in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, scoring five goals to become the second highest scorer for the tournament. This included the opening goal against the United States and a hat-trick against Costa Rica, in which all goals were scored by headers, the first time in World Cup history.
Post-playing career In September 2018, Skuhravý was announced to have returned football as coach of Serie C club Cuneo. He left Cuneo in June 2019 following the club's exclusion from the Italian football leagues due to financial problems.
In Italy it was reported that he lived in Celle Ligure, where he worked as a restaurant owner and football pundit for a local TV channel.
As his personal financial situation deterioted, he was employed as a sporting advisor at 1. FC Slovácko for a repoted minimum wage salary.
Personal life Skuhravý is divorced twice and has two daughters, one of whom, Michaela Skuhravá, works as a fashion designer. His cousin Roman Skuhravý is a former footballer and football coach who has managed several Czech and Slovak clubs.
He was declared bankrupt and mounting debts dating to as far back as 2005 rose to a reported 8 million crowns by 2026. Due to his financial situation he was living in a hotel belonging to 1. FC Slovácko owner Pavel Buran.
Career statistics International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsCzechoslovakia1985101986301987501988501989641990137199121199251199351Total4514Czech Republic199431199532Total63Career total5117
Club scores are listed first, with score column indicating score after each of Skuhravý's goal. + International goals by Tomáš Skuhravý Team Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1Stadion Letná, Prague, Czechoslovakia2–04–01990 FIFA World Cup qualification24–03Wankdorf Stadion, Bern, Switzerland1–01–01990 FIFA World Cup qualification 4Stadion Letná, Prague, Czechoslovakia 1–03–01990 FIFA World Cup qualification 5Wembley Stadium, London, England1–02–4Friendly6Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy1–05–11990 FIFA World Cup74–18Stadio San Nicola, Bari, Italy1–04–11990 FIFA World Cup92–1104–111Parc des Princes, Paris, France1–21–2UEFA Euro 1992 qualification12Estádio Serra Dourada, Goiânia, Brazil1–21–2Friendly13Great Strahov Stadium, Prague, Czechoslovakia1–02–2Friendly14Všešportový areál, Košice, Slovakia3–03–01994 FIFA World Cup qualification 15Parc Lescure, Bordeaux, France1–02–2Friendly16Stadion Letná, Prague, Czech Republic1–13–1UEFA Euro 1996 qualification17Stadion Letná, Prague, Czech Republic 1–02–0UEFA Euro 1996 qualification
See also List of FIFA World Cup top goalscorers
References
External links